Iran vote: Rouhani vows transparency on nuclear issue

Iran is ready to show more transparency on its nuclear programme, says President-elect Hassan Rouhani.

In his first news conference since Friday's election, Mr Rouhani described as "unfair" sanctions imposed on his country. He also said Tehran would not suspend uranium enrichment activities.

The West suspects Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons. Iran says its programme is entirely peaceful.

The US and Russia both expressed hope of progress on resolving the issue.

Speaking after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G8 summit in Northern Ireland, US President Barack Obama said they had "expressed cautious optimism" that following last Friday's elections "we may be able to move forward on a dialogue that allows us to resolve the problems with Iran's nuclear programme".

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said: "The government hopes that following Dr Rouhani's election, the Iranian government will take up the opportunity of a new relationship with the international community by making every effort to reach a negotiated settlement on the nuclear issue."

At his news conference in Tehran, which covered a wide range of issues, Mr Rouhani also said:

His government would work towards "constructive interaction with the world", thanking Iranians for "choosing moderation"

Efforts to end continuing fighting in Syria and restore stability must rest with "the Syrian people"

The economy would be his main priority

Relations between Iran and the US were "an old wound that needs to be healed"

The conference ended abruptly when a man in the audience shouted that reformist leader Mir Hossein Mousavi, who is currently under house arrest, should be president.

Analysis

By Mohsen AsgariBBC News, Tehran

The conference hall of the Strategic Research Centre in Tehran was crammed full of journalists and supporters of Mr Rouhani.

The national anthem played on his arrival. He smiled and waved to the audience. Many journalists who voted for him could not stop clapping or yelling congratulations.

He gave diplomatic answers to sharp questions from journalists, proving he is a serious conservative politician moving towards moderation.

The BBC found its way onto the list of journalists being allowed to ask questions. After eight years of being banned from all these gatherings, it was a triumph.

His answer to my question was short. When I asked whether he had any plan to improve Iran's relations with the UK, he looked at me very carefully with a beatific smile, and answered: "I will try to solve Iran's problems with all countries recognised by the Islamic Republic on the basis of mutual respect and trust, and England is not an exception."

Mr Rouhani, a long-standing political figure in Iran, won just more than 50% of the vote in the election, avoiding a run-off vote.

Iran's president has limited powers, with key policy decisions being taken by the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran has been the target of four rounds of UN sanctions and numerous UN Security Council resolutions calling on it to cease enrichment work.

Israel has threatened to carry out air strikes on its long-time foe if its enrichment activities do not stop.

But on Monday, Mr Rouhani said: "The sanctions are unfair, the Iranian people are suffering, and our (nuclear) activities are legal.

"These sanctions are illegal and only benefit Israel."

Western hopes

Western powers have indicated they are willing to engage with the new Iranian president - who is seen as moderate compared with the other five contenders.

"If [Mr Rouhani] lives up to his obligations under the UN Security Council resolutions to come clean on this illicit nuclear programme, he will find a partner in us," White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough told CBS News.

Russia on Sunday congratulated Mr Rouhani on his victory. President Vladimir Putin "expressed confidence Hassan Rouhani's work will... further strengthen Russian-Iranian relations", said the Kremlin.

Tens of thousands of Iranians took to the streets after the results were announced on Saturday, many wearing Mr Rouhani's election colour of purple, but others dressed in the green of the reformist movement.